Michigan football program unveils 'legacy' uniforms for Notre Dame night game at Michigan Stadium
Senior defensive end Ryan Van Bergen models the "legacy" jersey Michigan football players will wear when they face Notre Dame on Sept. 10 for the first night game in Michigan Stadium history.
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com
Calling them "legacy" uniforms, Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon introduced the look the Michigan football players will feature when the Wolverines play their first home night game on Sept. 10.
Michigan players will sport a jersey with a maize block "M," a small number high on the left side and five maize stripes on each shoulder of a blue uniform when they face Notre Dame at Michigan Stadium (8 p.m., ESPN). Notre Dame also introduced throwback uniforms tonight.
"These uniforms are amazing, man," Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson said Friday while modeling the look in front of select donors and media with teammate Ryan Van Bergen.
The uniforms, designed by Adidas, incorporate elements of various Michigan uniforms from the 1890s to now, Brandon said. Fans can purchase the special jersey for $80 starting Aug. 1 at select stores.
"I think they're really nice," said Van Bergen, a senior defensive end. "I think everybody's going to be excited. We're already excited about the night game, but these jerseys are going to add to that. I think it's going to be an awesome experience."
The shoulder stripes are the most distinctive element of the night game uniforms and have been a topic of discussion for a few days on message boards when word of the design leaked.
"Everyone kept on saying they wouldn't like the stripes," Robinson said. "But I love the stripes. I can't wait to play in them."
Brandon said Michigan has other special moments planned for the night game, including a way to honor former Michigan great Desmond Howard, who started his Heisman Trophy-winning season 20 seasons ago with a memorable catch against Notre Dame.
Brandon said he doesn't expect many special jerseys for the Michigan football program.
"These things are fun because they are one off," Brandon said.
What do you think? Take our poll.
Comments
Lorain Steelmen
Sun, Jun 12, 2011 : 5:41 p.m.
Davie, these uniforms are just plain awful! All you had to do, was go back in time, and settle on a given team, and just duplicate their jersey. I would have gladly supported 1969, or even 1948, but to create this hedious monstrousity, is just ridiculous! I will support Michigan, BUT I feel sorry for the players that will have to wear these things on national TV! Davie's greed has backfired on him this time. The term 'legacy' is just his way of putting a 'smiley face' on what has tured out to be an embarassing mistake. Davie, please don't subject us to this kind of foolishness again! Please spare us, your comment, 'that these are 'fun', because they are a one of a kind'. Ugggh.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 11:37 p.m.
"If you knew anything about Michigan football . . . " Big assumption there, 1st Down. Good Night and Good Luck
1st Down
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 1:40 a.m.
If you knew anything about Michigan football, you would know that the 1969 and 1948 home uniforms are pretty much what they wear now regularily. Maize pants, Blue jersey, winged helmet.... so...did you want Brandon to have them wear leather winged helmets....or maybe those hideous white pants that Bo put them in back in the 70s? other than that...there are not many choices for Brandon to make to go back to authentic single-season throwbacks... This is not Oregon.
Jello Biafra
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 11:57 p.m.
I like them. Dave Brandon, always the glory hog.
AAbob43
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 3:50 p.m.
The color is "yellow." You guys flunked Crayolas 101!
Lets Get Real
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 3:04 p.m.
Let's get real here - it's a football game on one Saturday, in one year of Michigan's tradition. So was Appalacian State. It is not the end of the world; 'legacy' uniforms are not a live or die issue. They are going to wear the uniforms once and sell 'em. Too bad though, they didn't make the sale a fund raiser for one of the multitude of worthy causes screaming for support in this economy - even if it is one of the UM worthy causes for which philanthropic giving has suffered. Who cares what they wear - will they win? If the hype about uniforms, national TV, the first night game, etc. gets the players' minds more into the game, more excited, more challenged to win - it's good. Because, we all know, it is a winning program that makes us all want to be part of the Michigan Tradition. That's what brings people to AA on Saturdays in the fall bringing their disposable $ to bolster the economy - eating in restaurants, staying in hotels, motels, and bed & breakfasts, buying merchandise, and making memories with friends and family that beg them to return. If it is all a distraction, taking focus away from the PRIMARY goal, then it is nothing but a marketing gimmick. And, what is the purpose of that? The game is already sold out, as are many of the lodging establishments. Spending $ to market a sold out event is wasteful. Apply marketing tactics to the games people are less likely to attend - those games where less skilled teams offer a lower level of challenge where there is much less interest. Those are the ones that need the hype. Remember when they filled the stadium with high school bands from all over the area? Every band parent bought a ticket to see their kid march in the BIg House! Mr Brandon, don't discard "ancient" wisdom that can apply to today. People are still pretty much the same and respond to the same stimuli. Spend the money showered on the public institutions wisely, please.
D21
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 9:37 p.m.
Brandon proly is trying to outdo Spartie AD Mark Hollis and his ill fated Sparty helmet logo of a few yrs ago.
D21
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 2:53 p.m.
Well, who cares about the uni's cuz the bottom line is beating ND on the field not in the fasion walkway show. GO BLUE! Strobel and Magnuson "unofficially" signed with UM.
InsideTheHall
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 2:36 p.m.
All we need is a 110 yard field, play with 3 downs, and we'll have the Hamilton Tiger Cats!
Nate Thompson
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 2:13 p.m.
The stripes could have been left out, but on the other hand, they aren't PUKE GREEN like MSU, so they're already appealing!
5twentytwo
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 2:02 p.m.
Let the team's play define Michigan's look as a football program, not some marketing schtick. Brandon should leave his gimmick marketing ideas back at Domino's Pizza. Hate ND, but gotta admit, their throwback has more style.
johnnya2
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 3:58 p.m.
You mena UM has never marketed its football program? I wonder how Don Canham would feel about that assessment
winner
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 1:02 p.m.
I'm not a big fan of the uniforms at all. But having said that, If we win no one will be talking about the uniforms!!!!! If we lose, the uniforms will look even worse. Go Blue, Beat Notre Dame under the lights!!
tater
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 12:55 p.m.
I was wondering why the uniforms look Canadian to me, and then I realized that the Adidas logo looks a lot like the Queen Elizabeth Way signs did the last time I was in Canada. Anyway, I hope the rugby match against ND goes well.
David Vande Bunte
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 4:59 p.m.
I would watch Michigan play rugby...
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 10:52 a.m.
"The uniforms, designed by Adidas, incorporate elements of various Michigan uniforms from the 1890s to now," Can we get a detailed explanation of the the origins? "Calling them "legacy" uniforms,...." At least he dumped the term "throwback". Every sports honk I've talked to in the last 3 days believes a "throwback" is a replica of a distinct uniform, not a compilation.
Cash
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 8:49 a.m.
Four articles posted here about the uniforms that a football team will wear for a game. You must be kidding.
WalkingJoe
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 12:39 p.m.
Do ya think it might be because people might be interested and it sure beats reading about the "real news" like what new restaurants are opening or what new program our new governor has come up with to help the rich.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 10:52 a.m.
so far the Internet hasn't filled up.
Arborist
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 5:55 a.m.
The throwback uniforms are fine, so long as they win the game...
Mick
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 5:28 a.m.
I guess they'll grow on me, not crazy about the stripes, they look better with pads though. It's my team, I love them and I will root for them regardless, Go Blue, TiM!!! It's great to be a Michigan Wolverine!!!
snoopdog
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 5:23 a.m.
A throwback uniform with a big Adidas logo right next to the block M. As if they had sponsors logo's on their uniforms back then. This is tying to get a fresh start to your program by using a new uniform, good night and good luck ! Good Day
Terry Star21
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 3:51 a.m.
My only thought is - How Great they will look flashing down the sidelines and crossing our Goal Line 6 or 7 times. So, yes they will look Great ! MgoBlueforTiM !!!
Tom
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 3:30 a.m.
LOL!!! They look like bumble bees!!! That's something a little girl wears for Haloween!!
treetowncartel
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 2:20 a.m.
Adidas = All day I dream about --- I do think they should be wearing leather helmets.
dading dont delete me bro
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 2:13 a.m.
i don't think adidas was around in 1890...? @David Briegel, the lines through the block M are stitch lines. they are symbolic of back in the day when the block M had to be stitched on that way. bam
LeftBlankIntentionally
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 3:57 a.m.
Adi Dassler (adidas) was born in 1900, so no...but it is still an old brand. Jesse Owens wore a pair of his Adi's spikes. The article said elements from various uniforms over the years. That Adidas trefoil originated in the '70s. I'd think the 1920s are pretty early for athletic shoe/apparel companies, but it does make me curious what the oldest sports brands are.
David Briegel
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 2:52 a.m.
I figured it was stitching but it is so distracting and it detracts from the simplistic beauty of the block M.
David Briegel
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 1:45 a.m.
How do you take that beautiful Maize block M and put those silly, stupid lines through it? Why? What purpose? It is neither functional nor artistic. And that ugly Addidas logo. Yuck! I have loved that Maize block M my entire life and you just detracted from it! How could you?
Milqueman
Sun, Jun 12, 2011 : 3:13 a.m.
Hey David, Did you watch the video at all, or are you just commenting in the blind? That same question was brought up in the unveiling and answered by Dave Brandon. These lines are stitching, and represent how the Block M was like when it was a big thick cloth on a heavy wool shirt. It had to be stitched on with that criss-cross pattern so it could be held on. These retro jerseys and as the name insues, it's supposed to have certain looks that old jerseys had. Just saying. As far as the Addidas logo, all companies that make jerseys today are going to place their logo on it.
burton163
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 12:42 p.m.
relax. i'm sure the lines on the block M are to replicate the stitching pattern used top hold the original M on the jersey. That's how they did things back in the day...capiche?
azwolverine
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 1:23 a.m.
I like them...they will look great under the lights. I've got to admit, too, that I will be one of the sheep they are marketing these unis to since I will be buying one of the jerseys...if UM wins the game, of course.
treetowncartel
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 1:22 a.m.
Those are fresh. I like how they go with the wings on the helmet, helping the QB identify his players downfield. That Firtz changed the game.
1st Down
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 12:53 a.m.
Why did they use a statue of Shantee Orr instead of Van Bergen though? Oh well...
1st Down
Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 12:52 a.m.
Big thumbs up on the unis! Go Blue.